"upscale" or "upgraded" Rat 1? Will we ever see more scale and steel options?

OntarioKnifeCompany said:
...we'd love to hear your thoughts.
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I vote for micarta or G10 scales as well, in the same form factor as your existing scales (please no cheesy CF laminate or peel ply). While I like the forum member's D2/154Cm blade steel suggestions and either would elevate it to a "buy status" for me, (CPM154 would be great but am guessing it would be cost prohibitive). I would love to see CTS-XHP! It's rapidly becoming one of my favorite steels for it's great edge holding and toughness, with the often opposing trait of exceptional rust & corrosion resistance. Basically...corrosion resistant D2.

And...as long as we're wishing, I'd like the all the same materials even better in the RAT 2...AND please ignore the pleas for VG10...one of the most over rated steels IMHO. It can be easily sharpened but simply won't hold an adequate edge compared to similarly priced steels.
 
I've come to the place of settling on the the RAT 1 and RAT 2 as my carry knives. I would first like to see upgraded steel. Even my wife, not a knife person, complained of how quickly the AUS 8 lost it's edge. Granted we were doing extraordinary hard work with them. I would pay up to $60 maybe $70. Second would be a heavier texture on the handle. G-10 would be nice but not necessary.
 
People say the RAT folders are good value knives. I say they're just good knives. Fit and finish is right there with my PM2 and ZT566. Biggest thing holding them back is materials and country of manufacture. The Taiwan factory does an excellent job, but I'm not spending more than $30 on a knife made anywhere but the USA (except Fallkniven). As long as we're dreaming here... I'd love a RAT 1.5 (split the size difference between the 1 and 2)

-G10
-1095
-*Made in the USA*
 
I wish I could get a RAT1 and RAT2 (I prefer the RAT2 for EDC) with S30V and either G10 scales or just a nicer plastic with more grip, that doesn't wear very easily
 
I've enjoyed carrying a good many Rat 1's and have always modded mine to suit... both of these got redressed in G10. Terrific bargain for great utility...!
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Wow, those are really cool, Boomer. The assisted openers have G10 handles. We haven't discussed changing the RATs in any great detail yet, other than just passing around that you guys have good ideas, but that one seems like a strong possibility.
 
I'd likely purchase a few no matter the changes. G-10 in color options would be my #1, followed by steel change and milled liners. Deep carry clip would be a bonus.
 
a G10/micarta handle Rat with 154CM or something like it would be my dream knife. as long as it retains that incredible deployment!
 
Milled liners are at the top of my list for the Rat 1. The Rat 2 is light enough as is. Personally, I think the Rat 1 is the closest thing on the market to a budget Spyderco PM2. It's got similar construction and size, they both have the same bushing style pivot, and they're both extremely ergonomic knives. The locks are different, but the Rat 1's liner lock is the most trustworthy liner lock I've ever handled. The only thing needed to make the Rat 1 more competitive is to lighten the carry weight. I carry my Rats regularly despite owning many more expensive knives because it just flat out performs exceptionally. As the company rep said in this thread, one of the hallmarks of the Rat folders is that they are inexpensive without being cheap.

I don't necessarily think the Rats need a steel upgrade, but if it were going to happen, I'd echo knolan's suggestion of CTS-XHP. It's a great steel, and I don't think it would make the knife unaffordable. One thing to note, I don't think upgraded versions should replace the current Rat 1 and 2 but should be available along side the current Rat 1 and 2. I cannot stress this enough.
 
MaxFisher said:
One thing to note, I don't think upgraded versions should replace the current Rat 1 and 2 but should be available along side the current Rat 1 and 2. I cannot stress this enough.
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One option that's definitely NOT on the table is getting rid of the current RAT 1 and 2, just to put your mind at ease on that one right now. If I suggested that, the Sales Director might actually become violent.
 
OntarioKnifeCompany said:
One option that's definitely NOT on the table is getting rid of the current RAT 1 and 2, just to put your mind at ease on that one right now. If I suggested that, the Sales Director might actually become violent.
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Glad to hear it. I can't remember the last time I wasn't in arms reach of a Rat folder.
 
Just wanted to report that I acquired my second Rat-1 today, desert tan satin plain edge model. It replaces my coyote brown version that I lost a few months ago. As far as upgrades...how about adding a flipper?
 
I asked about Sprints and different blade steels for the various folders in the Ask Toooj thread. Toooj was informative and supportive, but a bit ambiguous about the whole thing. :D
 
Sterculius said:
Yes, I agree with stvpourciau -- I just really like this knife -- the design is classic and it is very well made and tough. Upgraded steel is choice #1, because there are already folks who make replacement scales, but the only place for a replacement/upgraded blade is the manufacturer. Exclusive runs at a vendor like Knifeworks would indeed sell out -- bring back the toxic green color -- I never got one. :(

Top 3 "upgrades":

1. Blade Steel (154CM, VG10, super steels, etc.)
2. Milled liners for weight reduction
3. Handle scales

I think the $60 price range is totally fair for an initial run and I would definitely pay that. And thank you for listening. :)
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Exactly what this guy said. Thanks
 
Tdhurl1103 said:
I asked about Sprints and different blade steels for the various folders in the Ask Toooj thread. Toooj was informative and supportive, but a bit ambiguous about the whole thing. :D
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I'd say there's a high probability that OKC moderator is Tooj, whadd'ya think?
 
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